Death of a Classic Part 2

Today after a meeting I stopped by and took a few pictures, but only 3 before the camera batteries went dead:(

The owner has used end grain cedar as a core material. I don't think was a bad choice but then the boat cover let the winter wetness in which then froze and cracked. Next came the summer sun in the greenhouse which then "melted" the cabin top.

Side decks were also done in cedar.

The hull just needs fairing but that's about the only high note. 

Evidently the owner hasn't gotten on the ball about recycling. I really expected to only see a 9yrd dumpster filled with fiberglass and a large chunk of lead. I suppose another option is to drop the title on the yard managers desk and let him take care of the disposal. 

Score details....

Here was my score from the 1964 Triton headed to recycler heaven.

• Main Sail
• Main sail cover.
• Jib Sail
• Genoa Sail
• Bow Pulpit SS tubing
• Large flat winch handle (2)
• Small flat winch handle (1)
• Main Hatch boards (3)
• Opening ports (2)
• Insert for the anchor chain pipe on the bow.
• Wood pole for jib/jenny
• Cockpit awing for use at anchor. But it's been chewed somewhat by rodents, so it may be just a pattern. 
• Bronze 5inch cleats (2)
• Tiller w/bronze attachment.
• Couple SS trim pieces that cover the Hull/Deck joint.

The wood hatch boards and the wood reaching pole both have serious cases of black mildew, so today I'm  cleaning up one of the hatch boards. First I used a heat gun and scraper to get the old varnish off then TSP/Bleach/Water treatment.

I had thought about buying the remaining 4 opening ports and cleats for my Tiki build but then catamarans are very weight sensitive and those beautiful bronze parts are pretty heavy for what they are.

The death of a Classic

I stumbled upon a 1964 Triton in seriously sad condition. It had fallen victim to an owner with big dreams but limited budget and skill.

The entire boat has been sanded down to fiberglass, i.e. all the gelcoat removed then the decks and cabin tops were opened up. Next the balsa core was removed and the inner skin was aggressively sanded.

Side note:Whoever first thought to use balsa wood as a core material on boats must have been on acid.

Anyway, the results were that in several places the fiberglass broke through. Next it was stored in a work shed covered in opaque plastic which turned into hot house in the summer. The high temps then caused the unsupported cabin top to warp. So that now around the front of the main hatch opening is a 1-1/2 to 2 inch dip.

The owner has, wisely IMO, decided to recycle the boat. It's sad to see a classic go to the recycler but the economics make no other sense. There is a 6 month yard bill cycle coming up. The boat can't be sold whole for anything. So in a very real sense it has negative value. But it does have one thing that has some value, it's 3019lb lead keel. A quick check of recyclers found a local one willing to pay 40cents/lb. Thats $1207! That lead value plus the $350 I paid for all my parts and pieces and now were talking positive value. Sad ending to a classic but on the bright side, every remaining Triton just got a smidgen more valuable.

I'll get some pictures in a few days, it really didn't seem polite to gawk and snap pictures with owner standing there:)